Failure to Maintain Effective Bed Bug Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective bed bug control program, resulting in the presence of bed bugs and a lack of comprehensive response to the infestation. A resident first discovered a bed bug in her room and reported it to staff, who collected the specimen for confirmation. Despite confirmation of bed bugs by the pest control company, there was no evidence that the facility implemented systematic monitoring or inspection of other rooms following the initial report. Staff interviews revealed that several employees, including housekeeping, CNAs, and LPNs, were not educated on bed bug identification, management, or the facility's policy regarding infestations. Documentation showed that the pest control company treated affected rooms and provided recommendations, such as avoiding the use of wet cleaning methods on treated surfaces and sealing gaps around pipes. However, staff were not consistently informed about which rooms had been treated, leading to inappropriate cleaning practices that could compromise the effectiveness of pest control measures. Additionally, there was no documentation of staff education, ongoing monitoring, or inspection of recommended areas after the initial confirmation of bed bugs. The facility's own policy required staff training, regular inspections, and follow-up monitoring after treatment, but these steps were not followed. The lack of staff education, absence of a clear monitoring protocol, and failure to inspect and seal recommended areas contributed to the ongoing risk of bed bug infestation, potentially affecting all residents in the facility.